Columns
RAGBRAI Day 2: A hilly ride complete with a scary tour
GREENFIELD — Anyone thinking Iowa was flat simply needed to do Monday’s 72-mile route of RAGBRAI (Register’s Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa).
The route included hill after hill during many parts, totaling more than 5,000 miles of climb ... that’s nearly a mile.
I left Red Oak Monday morning for a short nine-mile pedal to Stanton, a community proud of its Swedish heritage. Stanton, by the way, is the birthplace of Virginia Christine, who played Mrs. Olsen on the Folgers commercials when I was a kid. In fact, the town's water tower is shaped like a coffee pot.
From there is was about 10 miles to Villisca, which I was really excited about. Why, you ask? Villisca is home to the famous “Axe Murder House” where in 1912, eight people in a house were brutally murdered. I’ve watched a wonderful documentary on the unsolved crime and always wanted to see the house, and Monday I got the chance.
Two other people were there while I was, taking pictures of the house, but neither would go in as it’s said to be haunted. I decided to take the tour and it was amazing. I asked the tour guide if she thinks it’s haunted and she said after several very unusual things that happened there, she won't even go into the house by herself anymore. She told me some of the things and it does sound pretty strange. I also saw a picture taken by a guest a while back and it does look like a small child looking out the window, although nobody was in the house at the time.
They do let people reserve the place and spend the night. I think that sounds like a cool vacation.
Also during the trip to Villisca I ran into some old friends from Clinton, Tom Jordan (who spotted me as I rode by him), Eric Peters and Doug Rempfer. We spent much of the ride talking Clinton High sports, which was a lot of fun.
From there it was a short trek to Nodaway, which really isn’t a town, and then another 13 miles to Corning (birthplace of Johnny Carson, although I didn’t stop at the house). During the trip to Corning is where we encountered not only more hills, but some head wind. Not a nice combination.
After a nice stop in Corning there were trips to Prescott (which I never saw, but allegedly exists), Williamson and Fontanelle. Many people stopped for refreshments in Fontanelle since from there it was a mere six miles to our end town, Greenfield. From Williamson on we battled rain on and off, but nothing too serious. Just enough for me to put on my jacket (so I didn’t have to purchase an infamous rain poncho like last year).
Well, tomorrow we head to Indianola. It’s a longer trip than today’s but less hilly, so that’s good. I’ll check in then.
- Columns
-
-
Week-long learning session comes to an end
I took a brief break this week from my excitement of football season approaching and focused on being a single parent.
-
I’m ready for some football
Tonight marks my favorite part of the year. The high schoolers officially kick off football season, creating about a four-month period where my productivity on the weekends drops significantly (which you’d think would be impossible).
-
Railport ceremony displays reality 15 years in the making
On 44th Avenue South, there is a parcel of land that on any given day would look the same as any stretch that you would see in the rural area of a community.
-
Is that Dorf on Golf? No, it’s just another errant shot
This weekend marks an annual golf tournament that I showcase my skills for anyone lucky enough to be at the golf course
-
Packing in the fun
When I’m on vacation, I manage to jam pack my week with a lot of activities.
-
Nothing like summer
I love summer and all the perks that go along with it. I don’t even want to think of winter with its freezing temperatures and inches and inches of snow.
-
Legislator returns from trip
Recently, I returned from a trip sponsored by the American Council of Young Political Leaders (ACYPL) to Israel and the Palestinian Territories.
-
The people have spoken: Talking to kids about safety is way to stop falls
A week ago, I devoted my column to Eagle Point Park and the two falls that have happened there over the past six weeks.
-
Maquoketa organization awarded cultural grant
The Iowa Department of Cultural Affairs recently awarded a $21,250 Community Cultural Grant to Maquoketa Art Experience.
-
Nothing more exciting than finished cleaning projects
Finally, the weekend has arrived.
- More Columns Headlines
-
Week-long learning session comes to an end
